Movie and Tradeshow Division

READY, STRONG, UNITED FOR MOVIE, TV AND TRADESHOW WORKERS

by David Holm, Director, Movie and Tradeshow Division

"I salute Brother Lorrie Ward for his support and service to our union."

The Teamsters Canada Movie Division once again had a busy year. First, I would like to congratulate the outgoing Local Union 155 Secretary-Treasurer and Movie Division Director, Brother Lorrie Ward, on his retirement. I salute him for his support and service to our union.

At over 3,000 members and reserves strong, Local Union 155 represents the largest number of film and television industry workers within our Union in Canada. The local will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2022.

As a member of the BC Council of Film Unions (BCCFU), Local Union 155 has finally concluded negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) after over 15 months.

The local had been unable to reach agreement on a contract that expired March 31, 2021. The difficulties of negotiating on a virtual platform, coupled with an unsuccessful mediation process, led to the protracted negotiations.

Those members that continued to work under the expired Master Collective Agreement experienced steady employment close to seasonal norms.

Local Union 155 was fortunate enough to be invited by the Hollywood IBT Local Union 399 to join their Teamster Caucus and Joint Negotiating meetings with the same employers (AMPTP) that we are presently bargaining with. We thank Brother Steve Dayan and Sister Lindsay Dougherty for their support and collaboration as fellow Teamsters; a great show of solidarity.

Brother Lorrie Ward, former Director of the Movie and Tradeshow Division. In addition to negotiations, we are continually addressing and monitoring the ever-changing Covid-19 protocols that affect our members.

Meanwhile, Alberta and Local Union 362 saw a dramatic increase to its motion picture sector in 2021. Alberta has long been the 4th busiest province in Canada for film work, generating approximately $200-250 million a year in film productions for the province. 2021 saw that number increase to over $500 million, with expectations for 2022 to surpass that.

Members of Teamsters Local Union 362 in Alberta have been actively involved in the growth of the film industry in that province. They routinely work with other film unions and guilds to promote the sector. The local has also been named a key stakeholder in the creation of a Motion Picture Association for Alberta.

The local union expects to accept over 100 new members to its Motion Picture Division in 2022.

François Laporte and Stan Hennessy at the nomination of brother David Holm to the position of Director of the Movie making and Tradeshow Division.